Essendon denies reports James Hird given ultimatum to stand down by Thursday

Updated
Tue 6 Aug 2013, 7:33 AM AEST

Photo

Triple M reported James Hird had been given an ultimatum by Essendon to stand down as coach.

Joe Castro, file photo: AAP Image

Essendon has denied reports that claim coach James Hird has been given an ultimatum by the Bombers board to stand down by Thursday.

Essendon and Hird are under pressure as the AFL reviews the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency's (ASADA) interim report on the club's controversial supplements regime.

The AFL was handed ASADA's interim report into alleged doping at the Bombers on Friday.

He won't stand down, I know that, and he shouldn't.

Mark Thompson on Essendon coach James Hird

The report, more than 400 pages long, references more than 13,000 supporting documents.

Reports emerged on Monday evening that Hird has been given an ultimatum by the club to stand down by Thursday, with Triple M Adelaide reporting that if he did not "resign by Thursday, someone else might make the decision for him".

In a statement, Essendon said it was growing increasingly frustrated by reports surrounding the club.

"Essendon Football Club categorically denies the baseless rumours and speculation tonight in the media about an 'ultimatum' in relation to the future of coach James Hird," the statement said.

"As a club we are incredibly frustrated by the decision of some sections of the media to report unfounded and untested gossip."